Welcome to the September issue of Coastal Angler Magazine’s Okeechobee edition of Coastal Angler Magazine. As we all know, the summer of 2015 is cranking away with relief from the heat and humidity still being a few months away. But with the start-up of early hunting, snook season opening, and the shortening of the daylight hours, we have a hint of the approaching Fall and the return of our beloved snowbirds.
Fishing-wise, bass fishing will still be an early morning or late afternoon activity. Water temperatures in the mid to upper 80’s are limiting fish movement and keeping many fish in the deeper holes of the local lakes.
What’s nice is that snook season opens on September 1st and with Lake Okeechobee connected to both coasts via the Saint Lucie and Caloosahatchee Rivers, otherwise known as the Okeechobee Waterway (OWW), early morning snook fishermen will be congregating around their favorite bridge or spillway in search of these line-siders. This season the daily bag limit for both the Atlantic and Gulf Coast fishery is 1 snook. The Atlantic Coast slot is not less than 28-inches and not greater than 32-inches. The Gulf Coast slot is not less than 28-inches and not greater than 33-inches. The Atlantic Coast regulations apply to Lake Okeechobee, the upper Kissimmee River, and all rivers flowing east towards the Atlantic. Gulf Coast regulations apply to any river flowing westward to the Gulf such as the Caloosahatchee River and the westward arm of the Kissimmee River. So if you harvest a snook that is 33-inches from the Caloosahatchee River and bring it back towards Okeechobee, be prepared to back up your argument. Also remember you’ll need a saltwater license and a snook stamp to harvest a saltwater species such as a snook whether you’re fishing in freshwater or saltwater.
Another indication of Fall approaching is the start-up of Friday night auto racing at the Hendry County Motorsports Park (HCMP) just outside Clewiston. The HCMP is the southern-most dirt track in the USA. Whether you’re into sprint cars, street stocks, thunder stocks, or just like the sights and sounds of rubbing metal and grinding gears, it’s a great way to start your weekend. You can find more about the track and the cars on their website at www.HendryRacing.com.
Finally a bit of house-keeping information, the first half of September is the peak of hurricane season so be mindful of the tropics and keep an ear tuned to the local weather forecaster.
Until next month, get out and enjoy the great outdoors.
